Practical writing tips for young authors

Character Interview: Anaya Morwen

Anaya Morwen is a character from The Shadow Raven, one who terrorizes Detren and rivals Nissa. She’s the daughter of Sedric Morwen, owner of the majority of the king’s fleet, and thus holds far too much influence and power.

Anaya: *comes in and sits across from the interviewer* Good evening.

Interviewer: Good evening. How are you?

Anaya: *shrugs* I’ve been better.

Interviewer: Anything particular going on?

Anaya: Nothing that won’t be remedied in time. Shall we get on with the interview?

Interviewer: *nods* First question: What is your name?

Anaya: Anaya Fae Morwen.

Interviewer: That’s an intriguing middle name. Aren’t the fae all but nonexistent on Themar?

Anaya: Oh yes. *gives a smile that doesn’t quite seem genuine* He owns more than three-quarters of the royal navy.

Interviewer: And what does that entail?

Anaya: He decides when the ships go out and come in and who can use them. There’s a lot of paperwork involved. And money.

Interviewer: And do you work with him?

Anaya: Sometimes. More often I spend time with my friends while he’s working. Or go to royal galas. Though usually he has the good sense to attend those.

Interviewer: Do you dislike your father?

Anaya: Of course not. *gives another less-than-convincing smile* He’s my father, and the only parent I have left.

Interviewer: *nods slowly* Of course. Hmm… *looks over his question sheet* You’re an extrovert, I presume?

Anaya: I am.

Interviewer: And… *looks up again* Do you have a favorite color?

Anaya: A purplish-red.

Interviewer: Favorite book?

Anaya: I don’t have time to read. There are so many more important things in the world, like building relationships. Reading is a waste of precious time and energy. Besides which, it would bore me to death and kill off my brain.

Interviewer: What do you like to do instead?

Anaya: Build relationships, as I’ve said, go shopping, strengthen ties to those I already know, perform at the theater. I’m both a talented actress and singer. People come from all six capitals to see me perform.

Interviewer: Six capitals?

Anaya: For one familiar with the history of Themar, you seem to be down on your geography. *arches an eyebrow*

Interviewer: I know about the six capitals, but those reading to this interview will not. Please.

Anaya: People will be reading this? Well then… *smiles a bit* Roenor’s capital is truly six cities merged into one. Each has its own name and the census is taken differently, for instance, but in most practical situations they’re regarded as one city, and generally called by the name of the largest: Vanore.

Interviewer: Thank you. *smiles* Now, which of the following is most important to you: Kindness, intelligence, or bravery?

Anaya: Intelligence. There are far too many unintelligent people in the world, and they’re far too dangerous. There ought to be more done in schools to truly educate people rather than just telling them useless facts they’ll never use. That’s why I’m so grateful to have been tutored.

Interviewer: Indeed. Who was your mentor?

Anaya: Orrin Nysaer. He’s one of the most renowned tutors in Vanore. I’m surprised King Alleyn turned him down as a mentor for Prince Detren, but I can’t complain. If he hadn’t, Orrin wouldn’t have tutored me. *smiles*

Interviewer: Interesting how things come together, isn’t it? The next question is another regarding which is more important: Honesty or selflessness?

Anaya: Honesty.

Interviewer: And the last question: What is something you can never leave the house without?